It’s one thing to open a business and make a splash in the first few years. It’s entirely different—and much more challenging—to remain competitive for decades. Here's some insight on how to do just that from four local companies that celebrated big milestones in 2014.

Fresh off her store’s move to the Ritz-Carlton, the queen of Westchester fashion shares her wisdom on understanding customers, beating the department stores, and the secret to three decades of staying power.